ROCHESTER — Walter J. Gardiner Jr. passed away on Saturday, June 27.

A memorial for Walt will be held on Thursday, July 2, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester. The memorial will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Walter J. Gardiner Jr. was born on Sept. 29, 1954, in Albany, N.Y., to Walter Sr. and Marjorie (West) Gardiner. Walter died at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Walter graduated from high school in Needham, Mass., and later attended college. He started working for IBM in Boston, and later transferred to Rochester. Walter had a passion for music and chocolate, and was a member of RACE (Rochester Area Corvette Enthusiasts Club).

He married Theresa Wilke on Aug. 22, 1997.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa, of Rochester; his two sons, Ryan Gardiner and Kevin Gardiner, both of Rochester; his parents, Walter and Marjorie Gardiner of San Angelo, Texas; his brother, Charles (Jennie) Gardiner of Raleigh, N.C.; his sister, Pamela Stannart (Wood) of Tucson, Ariz.; his niece, Jessica (Sal) Mendoza of Glendale, Ariz.; and his very close friend, Jeffrey (Sandy) Sheldon of Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester. (507) 289-3600www.ranfranzandvinefh.com